So fun to be a part of the Martha Stewart Spring Wedding To Do's article today! Read all the tips here on Martha Stewart Weddings!
I had so much fun writing about my business for The Estate Blog and being asked to contribute as one of their preferred creative partners. I got to answer some fun questions for them about me, my business and my love of the City of Chicago! Here are some excerpts below of that article. You can read the full article on The Estate Blog.
Get out the heart sweater and chill the champagne, it is Valentine's Weekend!! A chilly weekend is predicted in Chicago and here are my top picks for having a wonderful Valentine's weekend with your loved one!
In September, I was honored to be asked to speak by Sarah and Andrea from Cherry Berry Events at Camp Wedding at the Camp Wandewega, located in Wisconsin. This was their inaugural wedding retreat and I was looking forward to meeting some new friends in the wedding industry. I attend a couple of event conferences a year and I was intrigued by the concept of Camp Wedding, with wedding professionals being in a camp environment.
Want to learn about the event industry from one of the best wedding planners in Chicago? Ali Phillips of Engaging Events is looking for a great intern for the winter season. Intern should be available one business day a week and available on some weekends. Please send resume, 2 references and cover letter to info@engagingeventsbyali.com.
One of my favorite parts of the wedding day is the time that the bride spends getting ready at her home or in the hotel suite with her bridesmaids, Mom and friends. It is a fun time to bond and relax before the busy wedding day starts. Often times we will have hair and makeup artists come on-site to also make sure everyone looks gorgeous on the wedding day.
This week I got to talk with the WGN TV 5pm anchor news, Lourdes Duarte about non-traditional wedding gift registry items. Tuesday we looked at charity gift registries, like Kate and William are doing for their Royal Wedding. Today we look at some of the other ideas that I spoke of and are great ideas for couples to consider when registering.
The Royal Wedding Week is here! I have waited anxiously for months for this week to arrive. And right now all the talk is, what will Kate Middleton's wedding dress look like? The blogs and newspapers are filled to the brim with speculation and tips on who will design the dress. Clarence House and the Official Royal Wedding website have been very forthcoming and transparent with the details of the wedding day. On Saturday they released a ninety-page media document with the guest list, seating layout for Westminster Abbey and some of the wedding vendors that are taking part in the wedding of the century. One thing it did not include was ANY details or mention of Kate's wedding dress.
I am fascinated by the anticipation leading up to The Royal Wedding. I am also fascinated by Fascinators. What is a fascinator you ask? Ah, a wonderful headpiece (often times taking the place of the traditional hat) which you see at weddings in the United Kingdom and all over the world. We are one week away from The Royal Wedding. The countdown has begun! Next week we will all get to experience the Royal Wedding from the United States while in the comfort of your own homes starting at 5am Chicago time. But rest assured that many a guest of The Royal Wedding and person in the UK and United States, in fact all over the world, will be donning a fascinator in celebration of Kate and William's wedding.
Happy Spring! Yesterday was the first day of Spring in Chicago (although it was a little chilly and rainy) and I for one am very much ready for the longer days and the popping of the green leaves, crocuses and daffodils. And Spring means the return of tulips and peonies to weddings.
In honor of Spring, enjoy some spring themed wedding pictures!
Last Monday the new JW Marriott Chicago celebrated with a Grand Opening Event. And wow was the event Grand! The hotel opened in November of last year and is a great addition to Chicago. Boasting two ballrooms, the JW Marriott is Chicago's newest luxury hotel to host weddings and corporate events. I am so excited to have a new venue to show to couples for consideration for their wedding.
If you are like me and live in Chicago, you miss the big yellow Sun in the sky. I love my Chicago Springs and know it is around the corner. I really also love Weddings in Chicago DURING the springtime. So, adding some sunshine and happiness to your day with some gorgeous details from a wedding that Kurt Gerber photographed and I planned a couple of springs ago!
Yesterday was one of those fun days and I got to get out of the office and attendLuscious Layers Open House and eat cake and sweets! Ashley moved to a storefront in Chicago in the Bucktown neighborhood in August of 2009 and has been baking up masterpiece cakes for weddings, showers, birthday parties and anniversaries.
Happy Valentine's Day to all of you today!!! Rather than a typical pink and red "valentine's" post today, I am posting a gorgeous winter engagement shoot of Liz and Brian shot by the very talented YazyJo back in January. It was a cold day in Chicago but as you can see, you can capture some of the most romantic shots even in the middle of winter.
Ali, When should I be selecting and purchasing my wedding shoes? Can you give me any tips? (From Ashley)
That is a great question. It is a good idea to have selected your wedding shoes prior to your first fitting of your wedding dress which will typically happen two to three months before your wedding. Start looking for your wedding shoes about four to six months in advance of your wedding.
Looking to do something this weekend? Want a fun "outdoor" activity but it is just too cold for you? What a FUN new idea for your Engagement Session? How about grab your skates and head to the top of the John Hancock Observatory. What you may ask? Well today thru March 31st, the John Hancock Observatory will have an ice skating rink, made from a synthetic substance called XTRAICE, inside called "Skating in the Sky". What a fun outing with your fiance. Don't forget the camera.
